Chapter 5: A Club that Destines to Rise

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"Junichi, you're up early."

Junichi hummed in relply, spotting his stepfather sitting at the dining table, sipping coffee while shuffling through papers. The boy yawned.

"So are you."

Adrian shrugged. "I've always been an early bird. Right now I'm just reviewing today's shipments, see if everything's in order. So, I'm guessing today's the day huh?"

He asks, eyeing his stepson's violin case strapped to his shoulders with his school bag. Jun nodded and Adrian smiles.

"Shall I at least prepare you something before you head out? I may not be as good as your father, but I can excel at making some good old fashion pancakes. You got time right?"

"Sure." He'd be an idiot for turning down his stepfather's pancakes. They really are the best.

Settling down at the table, Jun watched Adrian work his magic on the stove, flipping the pancakes every now and then with high expertise.

"You know you've been pretty quiet yesterday since you arrived home," the man said as he poured another dollop of batter in the frying pan. "Is something on your mind?"

"A lot is on my mind, considering today and all."

"I see. But remember, the more you think, the more likely you'll mess up."

"I know."

Silence stretched between them, nothing but the sound of the pancake sizzling above the fire.

"Dad… can I ask you something?"

"Of course son. What is it?"

Jun bit his lip, choosing his words carefully before asking.

"Did you ever know about Hari-chan not playing the guitar anymore?"

There was a slight pause when the stepfather was about to flip over the pancake. He sighs and continues cooking.

"Yeah. My brother told me about that years ago. He was disheartened, but at the same time he wasn't surprised."

Junichi furrowed his brows at Adrian's back. "Why? What happened?"

"It's nothing serious really." Adrian placed a plate of hot pancakes in front to the boy. "In fact, it's a struggle that almost every musician goes through. Remember back in middle school, when you had to perform a solo piece in front of an audience?"

Junichi nodded. "I was very nervous then. It was my first time doing any solos on stage and I was afraid I would make mistakes. But as I began playing, I was able to draw my focus away from the audience and it didn't feel so bad."

"That's right." Adrian continues making more pancakes. "Stage fright is very common for musicians. However, they vary in different levels depending on the person. You were able to overcome yours easily. Harriet on the other hand…"

"Wait, you mean she has stage fright?" Surprise was evident on Junichi's face. "But she always comes off as confident, even when she plays."

"It would seem that way, wouldn't it?" Adrian chuckled. "I will admit, I was surprised too, but then Alix reminded me just what kind of person Harriet is."

Junichi sat quietly, waiting for his stepdad to continue, paying little attention to the pancakes in front of him.

"You never met her then, but Harriet was always distant when she was little. She was a constant target for bullies and she had trouble making friends. Before she met Tia, she was always shy, full of self-doubt, and always alone. And now, if you look closely, you'll see not much has changed since then. Her behavior is different, but it's set in a way so she grows more and more distant towards the people around her. She refuses to make friends, and she hates any attention drawn to her, if it's not intentional on her part. So considering all of this, can you imagine someone like that performing on stage, having hundreds of eyes on them? How will that turn out?"

Jun says nothing, but Adrian could see by the boy's expression how all of it was sinking in, understanding.

"Her first performance was her last so to speak," he continued. "Apparently, she made so many mistakes it took a toll on her. She just couldn't handle the pressure. And because of that, she lost so much confidence in her abilities, she hardly plays the guitar anymore. Thus, her dreams of becoming as good as her father seemed impossible to her.

Junichi had his fists clenched on the table. His head lowered, hair shielding the view of his face.

"You should eat. The pancakes don't taste as good when they're cold. Plus you gotta go soon."

"…It's my fault." Junichi's voice wavered a little. "I was so excited to introduce her to my club. We all kept rambling about how good she is, how we needed someone like her. Not once did I consider how she felt. I pressured her, and now I feel an invisible line between us. I'm such a terrible person."

The boy nearly jumps from his seat when a warm hand pat his head. It stayed there, fingers gently messing through the fluffy locks. Junichi looked up at his stepfather's smile.

"I wouldn't go that far," Adrian said. "I understand what you were trying to do. If I had known it would end up like this, I would've warned you beforehand. So don't beat yourself up about it. You didn't know. And you know, I think this might be good for her."

"How is that?"

"Harriet may have lost her confidence, but I don't believe she wants to give up music completely. Right now, you can say she's lost. So, all she needs is some guidance." He says, gazing at Junichi intently with a grin. The boy tensed, pointing a shaky finger to himself.

"M-Me?"

Adrian laughed. "Of course you! Have you not seen how close you two have gotten? If there's anyone she'd be willing follow right now, it's you."

Junichi's face heats up in a blush and his eyes drift down to his pancakes. He claps his hands and said his thanks before eating in a flurry. However, during the meal there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

"I'm heading out!" He abruptly stood after wiping his face clean of syrup and grabbed for his bags.

"Would you like Scott to drive you to school?" Adrian asked.

Junichi shook his head. "He worked late last night didn't he? He's still asleep on the couch. I'll be fine."

"Aright then." Seeing him leave, he called out. "Don't stir up too much trouble!"

Junichi grinned and made a salute. "The only person doing the trouble-making will be Hiroki-san!"

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I'm having trouble trying to sleep

I'm counting sheep but running out

I yawned heavily as I strolled through the campus of Karasuno. My mp3 was on shuffle and it decided to play Green Day. There's no other song that could describe my morning. If I felt like the living dead yesterday, then today I must be a rotting corpse.

As time ticks by

And still I try

No rest for crosstops in my mind

On my own here we go

My head bobs, whether it was to follow the beat of the music or if it's pure drowsiness, I didn't know.

I didn't see Jun at all today. I was told by my Uncle Adrian that he left early, while giving me a worried look. He asked if I was sick and if I wanted to stay home, but I didn't want to be a burden (even though I was tempted to stay). So I just stuffed myself with his famous pancakes and left for school alone. Now I'm wondering how I'm going to survive today.

I turned a corner, about to enter the first year's district, when I was suddenly pulled back by both arms.

"What the- Hey!"

Wide awake, I found myself pulled to a shady area in the campus, away from curious eyes, and I was released. I whipped around, ready in my defensive stance as I faced my kidnappers.

"What's the big idea you-"

"Shhhh!"

I lowered my guard, gaping in surprise to find Hiroki and Masami, members of Junichi's club.

"The hell is-"

"SHHHHHH!"

They shushed me louder. I got slightly annoyed.

They looked around to see if no one was spying or listening in before finally turning to me. They lean in, one hand cupping their mouths as if they were letting me in on a secret, which is likely the case. I removed my headphones.

"There's an event going on today," Hiroki went first in a low whisper. "Held in the auditorium during lunch period."

"And why did telling me this require you to drag me all the way here?"

"Because you are now one of few people who know about it," Misami said. "It's a surprise. Not even the principle knows about it."

"What?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing illegal," Hiroki assured with a happy grin. "We were given permission to use the auditorium for 'sets' or at least that's what we led the staff to think. We're actually going to display our grand debut to all of Karasuno!"

"It's so bad. We might get in so much trouble." Masami said that… but was also smiling.

I just don't get her.

"So… why are you telling me this?"

"Kenta-chan said you might want to see it. He is the star of the show after all~," Hiroki stated proudly.

"And Takeo-kun," Masami added.

Surprise was probably written on my face. Jun is performing? And he wants me to be there?

Is that why he left so early?

Before I could get more info about this event, the bell had rung.

"Oh, sounds like our time is up. Be at the auditorium in ten minutes during lunch. See ya then!" Hiroki waved while dashing towards the district for second-years. I followed Masami.

"Hold up!" I called after her, grabbing her arm to a halt. "Why are you all going through such lengths to do this? Do you really believe this'll accomplish anything?"

She stared at me for a while. Her expression was hard to read.

"We both have a similar ambition don't we?" I tensed at her words and Masami easily slips from my grip, her emerald eyes still locked to my coal black ones. "I learned that if you really want something, sometimes you have to take risks or else you won't get very far. That's the only thing holding me back, but I still try to fight against it."

She tilted her head sideways, eyeing me quizzically. I gulped.

"So Hari-chan, what's holding you back? And are you strong enough to fight against it?"

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Those questions lay edged in my brain throughout the entire period of lectures. It was hard for me to focus on what's around me as I tried my best to jot down notes.

What's holding you back?

I gripped my lead pencil.

Are you strong enough to fight against it?

My eyes flashed back to when I was thirteen, where I performed at the school's annual talent show. I sighed. I promised myself to never be put through that nightmare again, that playing just for the heck of it would be enough. I'd only play for me and not for the countless pairs of judging eyes.

Does that make me weak?

Once classes ended I left quickly, though I was not even sure why. I traveled to my hiding spot I found yesterday and settled to eat there. Five minutes have passed and I was still deciding on whether or not I should go. Hiroki said Jun wants me there, but why? After everything I said to him? What is he planning?

"Oi! Will you slow down Dumbass?"

My ears picked up someone yelling from a distance.

"Come on Kageyama or we'll be late!"

Hey, that's Hinata's voice! On my knees, I peered from behind the tree I sat under to see that sunny boy drag a friend of his somewhere. Said friend yanked his arm away from Hinata's hold, his face clearly expressing annoyance.

"Late for what? All you said was that there's this event thing held at th-mmph!"

Hinata quickly clamped his hands over the taller boy's mouth and glanced around to see if anyone was listening. Luckily, he didn't spot me.

"Be quiet idiot! This is a secret, meaning no one must know yet!"

The boy roughly pulls away again. "I know what it means Dumbass!" He yelled, but his tone was softer this time.

Wait. Don't tell me…

"Psst, Hinata!"

I spot two other boys, their heads poking out from the corner of a building. They discreetly motion Hinata and his friend over.

As they all disappear from behind that corner, I packed my half-eaten lunch and went to follow them.

I just had to be sure.

I quietly stepped to the corner and pressed my back to the wall. I could hear them talking really close to where I was standing from the other side. I listened carefully.

"So you say it's at the auditorium right?" asked a voice I didn't recognize.

"Yup!" That's Hinata's. "And we have to be there in less than five minutes."

"Are you sure we should be a part of this?" came his friend's voice. "We have nothing to do with this club and since this isn't authorized, we could get in trouble."

"But I promised Kenta-kun I would come!" I could hear the whine in Hinata's voice. "And he said I could invite any of my friends over. We're the guests of honor!"

"G-Guests of honor!?"

"Like VIP members!?"

The two boys spoke. They must be oozing with exhilaration.

"Yeah!" says Hinata. "Come on Kageyama, even Yachi will be joining us!"

"I don't know... I'm not even that interested in music."

"But Kenta-kun is great! You'll love him!"

"Also, Tanaka and I made sure Daichi-san and Suga-san know nothing about this!"

"Yup, we made it this far without arousing suspicion. We're totally in the clear!"

"Oh really?" I say loudly, stepping into the open. All of them tensed at my presence and I grinned wickedly.

"Busted~"

The two boys (one bald and the other a short spicky-haired brunette with a touch of blond) cried dramatically while the third guy (one with cropped black hair and midnight blue eyes) appeared apprehensive.

"We've been caught!" both the baldy and the short brunette wailed.

"Well to be fair, you guys weren't very subtle with your sneaking around. It's impossible not to notice." I say, casually checking my nails.

"Hari-chan!"

Not completely surprised, Hinata was the only person not worried about being caught red-handed and bounced over to me, with that trademark sunny smile of his.

"Sup."

"You know her?" asked the raven head, who immediately relaxed and began analyzing me like a complex equation.

The boy nodded. "She's Kenta-kun's cousin. She just moved here last week."

"Oh yeah, I heard people talk about a new kid who came from the US and apparently she's super scary," said the brunette.

I smiled. "It's nice to know my reputation's up to date. I find it flattering." I hugged Hinata from behind, making him jump.

"So Hi-na-ta-chan~" I sang. "Who are these lackeys you're inviting to my sweet cousin's special event?"

The orange head stuttered. "U-Uh t-th-th-the-th-th-"

"Better speak up or I'll pinch those chubby cheeks, like this."

I trapped him with one arm while my fingers pulled at his cheek. He flailed, trying to get away, but he was like a fly caught in the web. There was no escape.

The tall bald head came to his rescue. He chuckled, giving me a wide grin. "I am Ryuunosuke Tanaka, Karasuno's Wing Spiker! Nobody messes with the likes of me because I'm a force to be reckoned with!"

"And I am Yuu Nishinoya!" The brunette shouted with equal vigor. "The greatest Libero to ever walk the Earth!"

"Tobio Kageyama. Setter," the dark raven said simply.

"The volleyball gang I see. Pleasure. I'm Harriet Thompson," I greeted, still pulling Hinata's cheek. "Back home, people call me the Nightmare Witch. I hope to proclaim that same title here. Well Hinata-chan, now that introductions are made, you are free to go. For now that is."

I release him and he dashes to hide behind Tanaka. He blushed while rubbing his cheek, sticking out his lower lip in a pout.

"Wow, you really are wicked," Nishinoya laughed. "Makes me glad we're not in the same class."

"You should be. Because trust me, I can do a lot worse."

It was then a female voice called out to us and we see three more students coming our way. The blond girl waves at us, panting while two boys followed behind her.

"Yachi!" Hinata waved back. "You made it! Oh, and you brought Yamaguchi and Tsukishima!"

"Fantastic," I hear Kageyama mutter, sounding not at all pleased.

I recognized them. Yachi, the girl who bumped into me yesterday. Yamaguchi, my classmate who returned my phone. So Tsukishima is…

Oh no.

The tall blond in glasses took notice of me as well. Our eyes met.

Oh god no.

I hate my fucking life!

"S-Sorry I'm late," the girl apologized. "There's still time right?"

"Yeah, don't worry. We still got time," Hinata assured her.

"Still, sorry about that," said Yamaguchi. "It took a while to convince Tsukki to come with us."

"You should've left him," Kageyama muttered again. I couldn't agree more. We were still staring at each other, me glaring while he just… stared. I then caught a glimmer in his eyes that I did not like.

To my displeasure, Yamaguchi noticed me. "Oh, Thompson-san. Hi!" He waved, smiling and pointed to his friend. "This is Tsukishima."

"I can see that." I didn't try to hide the spite in my voice. Of all the people I could've run into, who owns the name 'Tsukishima', I just had to be him.

The tall blond arched his brow. "Is there a problem?"

"Obviously."

He shrugged, his smile snide. "If it makes you feel any better, you have yourself to blame. I was only innocently passing through until you blindly ran into me. Isn't this the part where you thank me or something? You know, for finding your phone you so carelessly dropped?"

"You don't deserve my thanks. Just looking at you makes me sick."

It was dead quiet all around us. Everyone was clueless as to what's going on and no one knew whether or not if it was okay to step in.

"Well, technically you already did, unless Yamaguchi was lying to me. He also relayed to me… something about you wanting to treat me? Anything I want?"

"Forget it," I said quickly. There's no way I'm giving this ass anything. But he wasn't fazed; in fact the prick was still smiling!

"I figured." He pushed his glasses up his nose. The light hitting the frames hid his eyes. "I go out of my way to do one nice thing and this is what I get in return. Never really pictured you as the type to go back on your word. I guess looks can be deceiving after all. Then again, spoiled rich kids like you have no time for peasants like us."

Something in me snapped.

"You-"

I was held back. I hadn't noticed I moved at all until someone had me by the abdomen. Everything just went black for a moment and all I felt was an immense white hot burn throughout my body. Next thing I knew, I find Tanaka holding me back from behind. I took notice of how tightly my fists were clenched, ready to strike blows. It surprised me. I've… never acted this way before.

I could see the others were just as surprised, shocked by the turn of events. The tense atmosphere was so thick. Too thick it's hard to breathe.

And there in front of me, guarded by a trembling Yamaguchi with his arms spread in an attempt to be a protective shield, stood my target.

And I stared at him silently and thought, no, I never felt this way before. This feeling was different compared to all the annoying people I tussled with in the past. He's the first. My body felt limp as my gaze shifted to the ground in thought, my violet head shielding my face from anyone's view.

What does this mean?

A giggle escaped my throat. It soon escalated to laughter.

I don't know. I really don't know.

How funny.

I continued to laugh. It was loud and high-pitched, like something you'd hear in a haunted thriller film. I could feel shivers from Tanaka's arms around me.

I finally stopped. The air was quite again.

"Tsukishima was it?" I said slowly. My black lips twisted to a vile grin. "I'll remember that name. I'll remember it well."

I slowly moved out of the wing spicker's grip and thankfully, he let me go.

"I'm going on ahead."

Those were my final words before my feet carried me away from the group, my hands clasped together behind my back. I didn't need to look at them in order to know what kind of faces they're making. This was not at all how I expected the whole thing would go. I just wanted to tease and frighten everyone and after that, I could go about my own business. I'm not even sure if I want to attend Jun's secret event, but I find my footsteps taking me there anyway.

My face fell flat at the thought. I don't see the point in going, but if Jun really wants me there, then it's the least I can do. Right?

I can't help but wonder what he's thinking right now.

"Hari-chan!"

To my great astonishment, I see Hinata catching up to me and walk steadily by my side. I met his gaze, trying to find any traces of fear that should be present on his face, but all I found was concern. I looked away, looking straight ahead and sighed.

"Sorry you and your friends had to witness that. I'll admit that was a bit uncalled for," I say, keeping composed.

"You really don't like Tsukishima?"

"Do you?"

I hear the small boy grunt in thought.

"Well, he's not the easiest person to get along with. He gets on my nerves a lot and always teases me about my height whenever we practice. But I don't really hate him. He's a valuable asset to the team."

"I do."

I yelped at the voice coming from my other side. Somehow the raven-head appeared out of nowhere and was walking with us.

"You don't count Kageyama," Hinata said to him, finding his sudden appearance to be practically normal. "You hate everyone."

"Not true!" he snapped. "You don't count as everyone Dumbass! Plus, Tsukishima is the type I can't stand. Only on the court do I find him tolerable because then he doesn't focus on using his smartass mouth."

"Glad to know I'm not the only one who feels the hate for that blondie," I say dully. "All aboard the hate train. Hate club members only. There we hope to find many ways to make the bastard Tsukishima erase from our lives for good."

Kagayama looked at me. "Can I join?"

"You're in."

"Sweet."

"I wanna join too!" Hinata bounced and shot his hand up.

"Aww, but you just said you don't really hate him. Besides, I don't really see you hating anybody." I smiled sweetly, wiggling my thumb and index finger. "And who would ever want to hate you and your adorable hamster cheeks?"

Hinata shrieked and ran. I chase after him, holding out my fingers playfully while he hid his cheeks with his hands. The two of us ran in circles around Kageyama. Hinata tried calling to him for help.

"You'll live." Was all he recieved.

I grinned. I'm starting to like this guy.

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The three of us arrived at the gymnasium first. Before I started school, I learned that Japan's school auditoriums connect with the gymnasium and that chairs are set manually. I found it odd. The others caught up behind us and I made it my mission to ignore Tsukishima as much as possible.

I knocked at the door and after a few seconds of waiting, the door slid open a crack. We could hear Hiroki's voice from inside.

"What's the password…"

My stare was blank. "You never gave me a password."

"I didn't?"

"Nope."

"Kenta-kun never said anything about a password either," Hinata added.

We jumped when the door snapped open all the way with a bang. Hiroki stood before us looking disappointed.

"Damn it man," he drawled. "That was supposed to be the most epic part of the whole secret business. I can't believe we didn't add that in!"

"Are you going to let us in or not?" Tsukishima asked impatiently.

"Now now, I know you're all eager, but if you must know, I'm manning security. I need to take names of those who are invited and those who they brought as guests." Hiroki had out his clipboard and pen. He cleared his throat. "First up is Shouyo Hinata-"

"Here!" Hinata shouted raising his hand.

The maroon-head laughed. "Lovely! And who did you invite?"

"Kageyama, Tanaka, and Nishinoya!"

Hiroki nodded, scribbling some things down. "Aaaand you're good to go! Come on in and welcome!"

He motioned inside and Hinata, Tanaka, and Nishinoya hollered with excitement. They ran in, dragging Kageyama with them.

"Next is Hitoka Yachi," Hiroki continued.

"H-Here!" The short blond raised her hand.

"And you brought…"

"Y-Yamaguchi and Tsukishima."

"Excellent! You may now enter~"

The three walked inside, leaving me the only one left standing. Hiroki grinned at me.

"And last but not east, Harriet Thompson. And who did you bring?"

"Does it look like I brought anyone with me?" I pointed my thumb at the empty space behind me.

"I'm just messing with ya. Being a bouncer is just so much fun!" he quipped. Then his expression turned soft. "I almost thought you wouldn't come. I'm glad."

I rubbed my neck awkwardly. "Well, Jun wanted me to be here so-"

"It's more than that."

I gazed quizzically at him when he suddenly turned serious. "You know, when Kenta plays, all of Karasuno will be listening in. But I don't think he cares about that as much as the rest of us do. I don't know if you know this, but you've been his inspiration for a long time. I didn't know how deep that was until you rejected us yesterday. I've never seen him look so beat up and I almost thought we weren't going to pull this off. But then early this morning, he came in looking determined and pumped. He was set on making this happen no matter what. And you know, I think I may know why."

He gave me a smile, confident with his next words.

"Kenta-chan doesn't care if Karasuno or even the whole world hears him play. Without you there to listen, to him, all of this is meaningless. That's why I'm glad to see you here."

Hiroki left me at the doorway, allowing me to let his words sink in.

Junichi… when I first met him, he never cared about music. Yet he could play almost any instrument he could get his hands on at a young age. He was a quick learner. He was gifted.

And yet he didn't care about music. The fact always left me frustrated. I only grew up learning how to play the guitar from my dad. I tried so hard to learn his tricks and make up my own as I went along. I never saw myself as anything special compared to him and Jun. Back then, in my mind, my dad was my pedestal and Jun was my rival. Both of them were my inspiration, my motivation to get better. Never did I believe it would be the same for Jun.

I chuckled despite myself. Irony has struck again.

I straightened up and stared ahead inside the gym/auditorium, where the event will be held inside. As I stepped inside the building I made a solid promise to myself. Masami's words echoed in my mind.

"What's holding you back?"

"Are you strong enough to fight against it?"

I don't know how strong I am because for years all I did was run. Now though, I can at least say I'm willing to try.

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